Bogardus Plaza

The plaza is located on Hudson Street, in between Reade and Chambers Street in Tribeca. Connectivity to surrounding areas includes service from the 1, 2, and 3 trains via the Chambers Street stop.

In 2010, DOT temporarily closed a section of Hudson Street adjacent to the existing Bogardus Garden. During this closure, neighborhood advocates argued for the temporary slip lane’s transformation into a plaza, due to the proximity to the neighboring Bogardus Garden. This advocacy culminated in the construction of a permanent pedestrian plaza.

The new design features significant changes to its temporary precursor. DOT installed both permanent and moveable planters to increase greenery in the area, incorporating an elevated platform to protect tree root growth. New ADA companion seating provides accessible seating next to permanent seating. A holdover from the temporary space, the moveable tables and chairs were kept in consideration of future programming. The Bogardus “eggs" are unique to the plaza, and were added as an homage to the neighborhood, historically known as the Milk and Egg district. Upgraded B-pole lighting around the perimeter of the space enhances safety into the evening. 

Two years after its opening, DOT and the plaza partner introduced a food and beverage kiosk equipped with full utility connections. The kiosk provides an opportunity for concession activity under an agreement with the plaza partner, supporting ongoing plaza maintenance. Originally developed as a pilot funded by community partners at Bogardus Plaza, this kiosk model may be replicated at other plaza locations.

• Pre-approval, DOT and community partners gathered 300 local signatures in support of the pedestrian plaza
• February 27, 2014: Community Workshop #1 
• May 27, 2014: Community Workshop #2
• September 10, 2014: Community Board 1 Presentation

The planning process took three years; DOT conducted significant community outreach before presenting the project to the Landmarks Preservation Commission in 2014. Plaza construction began in October 2017 and ended in December 2020. 

A later addition to the space, the installation of the kiosk went through a separate approval process and opened with its first sub-concessionaire in May 2022.

Since its opening in 2020, additional planters were added to the space at the request of the community. DOT also made several design modifications to the kiosk to improve operator visibility and access. The modified kiosk design, piloted at Bogardus, eventually was submitted and approved by the Public Design Commission for citywide use.

Blooming coneflowers, benches, and trees lining Bogardus Plaza, Manhattan